Dolce Vita moves to new location

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 5:30 a.m. CST

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SYCAMORE – Dolce Vita started out as a one-employee hair salon in Ann Allen’s basement.

“I just got bored working alone, and I didn’t feel very inspired being in a basement,” Allen said. “So I begged my husband, who’s a wonderful businessman, ‘Let’s take out a little loan and open a salon.’ The opportunity came up and we went for it.”

In the eight years since that time, Dolce Vita has expanded. Nearly a month ago, the hair salon/spa moved into its new location at 2525 Bethany Road, across the street from the Kishwaukee Family YMCA.

“It was kind of time to ‘get married’ so to speak,” Allen said. “I was kind of engaged to the last location [at 2180 Oakland Drive], but here, I’m in love. It’s definitely motivational and inspirational and it will continue to change weekly.”

Both Allen and Keela Williams, Dolce Vita’s director of operations and events coordinator, described the move to their new location as exhausting. Allen said she has pulled a lot of all-nighters – “and not the fun ones.”

While the hair salon/spa is open and accepting clients, Dolce Vita will celebrate its grand opening Oct. 19.

Williams said they will host several models who will showcase fall trends for Aveda. Dolce Vita uses and sells primarily Aveda cosmetics.

Williams added that Dolce Vita also will raise money for an employee’s Relay for Life team by holding a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle.

Williams described the new building, which was previously a carpet store, as being “home” to the salon’s 30 employees.

“We’re very, very excited to have everybody in our new home,” Williams said. “We couldn’t be happier.”

Williams said the new building has upgraded the spa’s facilities, including a larger barbershop and an expanded suite of rooms for singles and couples’ massage and facial sessions.

“In all of the aesthetic rooms they have all the products they need for every service to customize every service,” Williams said. “So if you were in to get a facial, they have everything they need to make it perfect for you.”

The hair salon/spa also features a bridal suite, Williams said, that has enough space for a wedding party or bachelorette parties.